It would be a waste of resources to throw them back into the same system, said the former Klang MP.
Instead, the additional RM100 million allocated for the Anak Kita programme should be used to create an alternative pathway, starting by equipping the dropouts with basic skills such as writing and reading.
He added that the dropouts would struggle without basic education, and that it was vital to equip them with that for them to contribute to the nation.
Santiago said the next step would be introducing technical and vocational education and training from as early as Standard Six, with a fast-track programme to equip them with technical skills by the time they finish Form Five.
“We need educated individuals to ensure the country’s progress. Otherwise, they will fall victim to social ills. Without proper intervention, these students could end up in low-skilled jobs or even turn to crime, which would be detrimental to the nation,” he told FMT.
The former Klang MP also urged the government to use the additional allocation to introduce digital education and character-building programmes under the programme.
Last month, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government was allocating an additional RM100 million to the Anak Kita programme, which seeks to curb dropouts by improving literacy and numeracy among primary school students and to improve the SPM passing rate.
It is also aimed at reintegrating dropouts into the education system, but currently only involves 500 students from 50 secondary schools and 20 primary schools.
Santiago said the education ministry needed to be strategic in using the funds on a long-term solution rather than temporary fixes. He also said there needed to be solid research to identify the root causes of dropouts before spending the funds.
He also called on the education ministry to engage NGOs to help identify and nurture students that could be reintroduced into the education system. “NGOs are in a better position to fish them out and nurture them through community-based support,” he said.